e39::535 or 540?

[LordGrover]

Started here: click

I'm chopping in my E46 for an E39 having had a cracking 523i SE in the past.

I was looking at a couple of 535i in the classifieds and it was pointed out; why not go the whole hog/full fat 540i as accepting "...V8 running costs and accept the V8 steering set up..."
Running costs aren't an issue but I wasn't aware of any steering issue; what is it and should I worry about it? I'll be driving one soon so will find out for myself I hope but a hint or two in the right direction may be useful please.

[Matt UK]

The steering on the V8s isn't an issue an such, just different.

The straight-sixes have fantastic steering feel and response as they utilise a very good rack and pinion set up. The V8s use a recirculating ball type set up.

Try them both and see what you think.

In terms of performance:
530i 228 bhp 0-60 7.6 (auto)
535i 241 bhp 0-60 7.4 (auto)
540i 282 bhp 0-60 6.4 (auto)

I know that these stats are not everything; the 535i has more torque than the 530i and it sounds like a V8.

But you kind of see my point as to why they are a tad unloved. Which may of course mean there are bargains to be had out there!

[LordGrover]

Performance isn't really an issue though it's nice to have a little grunt - my Griff is 0-60 ~ 5 secs so I can have fun when I want to.

I suppose once I've tried one I'll get a feel for the steering. Maybe try a dealer first so I'm not wasting a PHers time. Sorry dealers.

[Hammerhead]

Matt UK said:

The steering on the V8s isn't an issue an such, just different.

+ a million. Those that say the V8's steering is woolly are talking out of their bottoms. It's obviously not as 'chatty' or informative as a MX5/Boxster but neither is it like steering blancmange as some here like to state.

Soggyness in response is more than likely due to tyres/knackered suspension.

Steve

Edited by Hammerhead on Tuesday 14th July 14:42

[LordGrover]

I don't suppose it can be as bad as an E46 anyway...

[english68]

I have had both (E34)535 and (E39)540.

The 535 was a while ago and the 540 only went yesterday.

Even with my rose-tinted memory-goggles on, the 540 is MASSIVELY better than the 535, all round.

I don't think I had a dodgy 535 either, though come to think of it, it was an SE, not Sport like the 540.

So, waste of a reply really!

[dave_s13]

I've had a 528 previously and have a 540 at the moment.

The steering is absolutely spot on. They do feel a little different but you can still fling a 540 through a series of bends with confident accuracy. Only when you go too quick (hamfisted quick) into a corner does the weight of engine give you a slightly understeery shout. Soon tamed with a jab of the right foot, to provoke the steptronic box, and a dab of oppo ......I've always wanted to say that.




ps the "dab of oppo" bit only really works in the wet

Edited by dave_s13 on Tuesday 14th July 22:57

[Mustard]

english68 said:

I have had both (E34)535 and (E39)540.

The 535 was a while ago and the 540 only went yesterday.

Even with my rose-tinted memory-goggles on, the 540 is MASSIVELY better than the 535, all round.

I don't think I had a dodgy 535 either, though come to think of it, it was an SE, not Sport like the 540.

So, waste of a reply really!

Your not only comparing different cars (E34 vs E39) but the 3.5ltr engine in the E34 is a very different animal to that of the E39 (Old School 12v Straight 6 vs Modern V8)

General concenus is yes the 540i is superior to the 535i with no negatives, but as a result you may pick up a bargain 535i (which is not a bad car, just a 540i is better in all repsects)

[Huff]

dave_s13 said:

ps the "dab of oppo" bit only really works in the wet

You're not trying hard enough

[english68]

Huff said:

dave_s13 said:

ps the "dab of oppo" bit only really works in the wet

You're not trying hard enough

You need to buy the T-shirt to do it properly, apparently...

[LordGrover]

Hmmm. Tried a 535 auto sport last night. Nice car, well looked after and all that but just didn't float my boat. A bit under powered... I hope the 4 litre's a bit better. Arranged to see a 535 manual too - maybe the stick shift will make it feel better.
Probably a mistake to drive there in the Griff TBH - just about anything feels sluggish after that.

[MarkwG]

LordGrover said:

Probably a mistake to drive there in the Griff TBH - just about anything feels sluggish after that.

- yep!

[fastandcurious]

LordGrover said:

Hmmm. Tried a 535 auto sport last night. Nice car, well looked after and all that but just didn't float my boat. A bit under powered... I hope the 4 litre's a bit better. Arranged to see a 535 manual too - maybe the stick shift will make it feel better.
Probably a mistake to drive there in the Griff TBH - just about anything feels sluggish after that.

Hi Ian. I had an E39 540i touring 3 years ago when I first got my Griff. A very comfortable, capable car and the only car I drove 750 miles in one day to Spain. I never found the steering an issue. Just the step-tronic auto box that worked fine but was a bit slow on the uptake. If a nice manual 540 had come up when I was looking, I would probably still have it. It's still slow compared to the griff but you can still light up the tyres. Try doing that in the 535i See you at the Growl CRAIG.

[eliot]

If the car is around 100K mark, check that the cooling system has been overhauled. All well documented and I really should of done the whole thing in one go rather than as each bit busted. At least I mastered how to prime the cooling system.

Failed on mine:
Water Pump
New serp belts and pulleys
Thermostat
Radiator
Expansion tank cap
temp switch

Yet to fail on mine:
Hoses
Expansion Tank
Viscous fan